Indonesia’s Food Estate Project: A Growing Conflict in West Papua
The Indonesian government’s ambitious “food estate” project in Merauke, South Papua, is sparking increasing tensions with Indigenous communities, as evidenced by the recent police crackdown on peaceful protesters. On January 25, 2026, police dispersed, beat and detained 11 Papuan protesters who were calling on church officials to protect Indigenous people impacted by the project. This incident highlights a troubling pattern of escalating conflict and raises serious questions about human rights and sustainable development.
The Merauke Food Estate: A National Priority with Local Consequences
Initiated in 2010 and significantly expanded in 2023 under President Joko Widodo, and further accelerated by President Prabowo Subianto, the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate aims to convert nearly three million hectares of forest and swampland into agricultural land for rice, sugarcane, and other crops. The stated goal is national food self-sufficiency, with President Subianto expressing a desire to transform Indonesia into the “granary of the world.” However, this national ambition is coming at a significant cost to local communities.
Land Rights and Displacement: The Core of the Conflict
The project risks the customary land rights of over 40,000 people from the Indigenous Malind, Maklew, Yei, and Khimaima communities. These communities rely on the forest and swampland for their livelihoods and traditional practices. Residents like Norton Kamuyen have already been forced to flee their villages due to land disputes, fearing intimidation from the military deployed to support the project. The government maintains that no applications for customary forest designation have been made in the project area and that the project complies with national laws, but communities allege forced displacement, deforestation, and suppression of dissent.
Escalating Repression and Limited Recourse
The recent incident in Merauke is not isolated. Protesters allege unnecessary force was used by police, with reports of beatings and the seizure of personal devices with evidence deleted. Legal counsel reported that police refused to disclose any legal basis for the detentions. This lack of transparency and accountability fuels distrust and exacerbates the conflict. The deployment of the Indonesian military to discourage protests further contributes to a climate of fear.
A Broader Trend: Attacks on Freedom of Expression
The crackdown on protesters in Merauke occurs within a broader context of increasing attacks on the media in Indonesia. This suppression of dissent makes it increasingly difficult to report on and address human rights concerns related to the food estate project and other government initiatives.
International Concerns and Calls for Dialogue
The situation has drawn concern from international bodies. Nine United Nations special rapporteurs raised concerns in March 2025, reporting systematic human rights and environmental violations, including the denial of customary land rights and intimidation of Indigenous peoples. The Communion of Churches in Indonesia has also issued a joint statement calling for an end to land grabbing and honest dialogue with Papuan communities.
The Role of Nationalism and Symbolism
Merauke holds symbolic importance for Indonesia, representing national unity through the “From Sabang to Merauke” anthem. This nationalistic framing may contribute to the government’s prioritization of the project despite the concerns of local communities. A Malind tribal leader noted the constant presence of armed soldiers guarding bulldozers, highlighting the militarized nature of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Merauke food estate project? It’s a large-scale government initiative to convert forest and swampland into agricultural land to boost national food production.
- Who is affected by the project? Primarily, the Indigenous Malind, Maklew, Yei, and Khimaima communities who rely on the land for their livelihoods.
- What are the main concerns surrounding the project? Land rights, displacement of Indigenous communities, deforestation, and suppression of dissent.
- What is the Indonesian government’s response to these concerns? The government asserts compliance with national laws and claims no applications for customary forest designation have been made.
Pro Tip: Supporting organizations like Human Rights Watch can help raise awareness and advocate for the rights of Indigenous communities affected by development projects.
Did you know? The Merauke project was initially conceived in 2010 but stalled before being revived and expanded in 2023.
Learn more about the challenges facing Indigenous communities in Indonesia by exploring Human Rights Watch’s coverage of Indonesia.
What are your thoughts on the balance between national development goals and the rights of Indigenous communities? Share your perspective in the comments below!
